TURK 2025

Fritillaria is a diverse genus in the Liliaceae family comprising 168 bulbous herbaceous perennial species distributed across Eurasia and North America. Fritillaria holds significant importance serving as a valuable source of bioactive compounds. These chemical constituents have been traditionally employed in ethnomedicine across various regions of Asia. Fritillaria eduardii, a rare ornamental species within this genus, is distributed in the south of Kyrgyzstan, east Uzbekistan and west Tajikistan. Recognized for its aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, F. eduardii, or Aigul, which in Kyrgyz means "moon flower" holds a special place in Kyrgyzstan's biological heritage. However, its natural population is threatened by severe anthropogenic pressure, earning its inclusion in the Kyrgyz Republic's Red Book of endangered species in 2005. This study investigates the antioxidant activity and antifungal potential of Fritillaria eduardii extract to explore its bioactive properties and support conservation efforts.
The research utilized methanol-water (80:20 v/v) extracts of above-ground plant stem and leaves. Total phenolic content and flavonoid levels were quantified using spectrophotometric methods, while antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH and CUPRAC assays. Antifungal efficacy against some pathogenic and parasitic fungi was assessed via the agar dilution method.
Key findings reveal significant bioactivity, with leaf extracts exhibiting higher antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content compared to stem extracts. Antifungal tests demonstrated notable inhibition of fungal growth, underscoring the plant's therapeutic potential.
This study highlights the dual ecological and biotechnological significance of F. eduardii. By providing foundational data on its bioactive properties, it emphasizes the importance of conservation and paves the way for future research in biodiversity and pharmacological applications.